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From Norfolk.

Movements of the Federal fleet--the Utley gun--Gen. Henry A. Wise--a flag of truce — the death of Lieut. H. W. Hunter.



[Special correspondence of the Dispatch.]

Norfolk, January 17, 1862.
Yesterday, thirteen Federal vessels, deeply laden with Yankee troops, went out to sea, and it is believed they sailed southwardly.--It is not probable that this fleet is connected with the Burnside expedition, as all the vessels belonging to the latter sailed from the Roads on Sunday last. I have heard nothing relative to the vessels alluded to since they passed the capes, disappeared in the distance, and filed off in column order towards some Southern port. They will probably be heard from to-day — some of them at least — unless all of them have been suddenly engulfed. The destiny of the fleet will no doubt be known very shortly, and it is not improbable that an attack has been made, and mischief of some kind done somewhere. It is hoped the hulls of the enemy's steamers and old transports have been well battered by our guns, if they have escaped the perils of the sea, and disasters from the storm that has but recently subsided.

The new and handsome piece of ordinance invented by Mr. Utley, of North Carolina, has been tested by Gen. Huger, who, I learn, entertains a favorable opinion in regard to its power and accuracy.

Gen. H. A. Wise, accompanied by his son, Capt. O. Jennings Wise, left this city this morning for the post of duty in the Old North State.

A steamer went down yesterday under a flag of truce, and was met near Craney Island by another steamer from Old Point. Passengers were exchanged, mails forwarded, and other matters officially, promptly, and courteously attended to.

The steamers Constitution, from Boston, with troops, and the Pensacola, from up the Potomac, were both in the Roads yesterday. They have probably left for some Southern point of attack.

The death of Lieutenant H. W. Hunter of the Confederate States Army, is much regretted by a large number of his friends and acquaintances here. He was highly esteemed for his manly bearing and generous impulses; and his departure from the scenes of earth just as he had stepped gallantly forth upon the stage of usefulness, with such bright prospects of success; and the accomplishment of noble deeds for his country, is lamented by all who knew of his virtues. He was a son of the late Captain James F. Hunter, well and favorably known in our city.

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